Aaron Boone's in-game George Lombard Jr. commentary has Yankees fans feeling inspired

George Lombard Jr. isn't just the New York Yankees' top prospect, but he's a top prospect in all of baseball. Ranking 32nd on MLB Pipeline's top 100, he's already in rarefied air and poised to shoot up the rankings even further.

With that said, the youngster hit something of a roadblock last season. After starting the year with a scorching 24 games at Hi-A Hudson Valley, he got the call to Somerset but could only manage a .215/.337/.358 line against Double-A competition.

One might think that would have dropped his stock, but it didn't. After all, the underlying metrics, like a 103.2 90th percentile exit velocity, proved the tools are all there; they just needed some refinement. That's not uncommon for a prospect so young playing at that level.

This spring, we're seeing that refinement in action, and it's led to some comments from Aaron Boone that should have fans fired up about what the future holds for the star Baby Bomber.

Aaron Boone's comments make it seem like George Lombard Jr. will be a future Yankees star

One of Lombard Jr.'s best tools that was on display last season was his plate discipline. That hasn't gone away even when facing big leaguers this spring. So far through nine games, the 20-year-old is running a 22.2% walk rate to go along with a .238/.407/.524 line.

The average might not wow you, but his ability to hit rockets has been on full display, with the homer off of Garrett Crochet serving as the loudest example. It's more than just one swing, though. Lombard Jr. has been smoking balls all spring.

In addition to exit velocities that would make him a Statcast darling, Lombard Jr. hasflashed some serious defensive chops in the field. All of the breathtaking plays on both sides of the ball had Aaron Boone weighing in during the broadcast of the Yankees-Twins spring training matchup.

"Yesterday and really all camp, he's been excellent. He keeps getting better and better," Boone said, when asked about Lombard Jr.'s performance. "He keeps getting bigger and stronger every year. He's got such a great work ethic, such a great passion for this game. It seems like every time I throw him out there, obviously mostly at short, but every time he plays, I've thrown him at second or third, as well. It's like, man, he just plays every position so naturally."

"The power is there offensively. The zone recognition is there. It's just now continuing to get that experience, and having that hit tool continue to develop, too. So, he's got a bright future," Boone continued.

He certainly does. And while we're all excited for what he can do, it's important to remember the lessons learned from the past. As good as Lombard Jr. appears to be, he's still a very young player. As Boone alluded to, there are still some areas where he needs to develop. We don't want to see another Anthony Volpe situation where he's rushed up and then stagnates.

"We're obviously very excited about George for good reason," Boone said. So are we. And we can't wait to see the growth that he undergoes this year, while hopefully mastering Double-A and then getting his feet wet in Scranton.

With each frozen rope of a line drive and every web gem in the field, we'll inch another step closer. The future is bright, and while it's tough, exercising some patience while Lombard Jr. builds himself up for that future will be paramount.